Quest users have long wanted a better way to manage windowed content to make web browsing and using 2D apps a little easier. While users subscribed to the Public Test Channel (PTC) have been able to do that since late June, starting next week everyone is getting the ability to place windows wherever they want with the rollout of v67.
Update (July 4th, 2024): Meta says the update will start rolling out the week of July 8th, coming to Quest 2/3/Pro. This allows you to arrange up to three panels in a new “hinged” layout, and then place up to three more panels anywhere. When it arrives, you can find the new flexible window feature under Experimental in Settings.
The update is also adding a ‘Theater View’ button to the control bar to let you automatically expand a panel’s size and dim everything else.
Additionally, Meta is rolling out Swipe Typing, letting you slide your finger or cursor from letter to letter to spell words—accessible via Settings, then System, then Keyboard and selecting the toggle next to Swipe Typing.
Another highlight for Quest 3 is the ability to use a new Wi-Fi QR code scanner, letting you scan a QR code whilst in-headset, accessible by in Settings, then Wi-Fi and tap Scan QR Code.
You can check out the full release notes for v67 here. The original article detailing the PTC version of v67 follows below:
Original Article (June 25th, 2024): As discovered by XR enthusiast and serial data miner Luna, the PTC has allowed some users early access to the headset’s v67 update, which includes a new experimental feature that allows a more flexible way of placing windowed content—feeling more than a little inspired by Vision Pro.
Check it out in action below:
Meta first unveiled multitasking support in early 2020, which allowed users to place multiple windows in three docks. Luna notes that, at least in its early access release, windowed content appears to be limited to three docked panels and three freely placeable panels, making for a lot more flexibility when it comes to setting up your virtual home office.
There’s also set to be a new virtual keyboard feature that lets you to place the keyboard both vertically or at an angle for easier typing.
To access these features before stable release, you’ll need to enroll in the PTC. If you haven’t already, follow this quick guide, courtesy of Meta.
To sign up for eligibility for Quest PTC from the mobile app:
- Open the mobile app, tap Menu in the bottom-right corner, then tap Devices.
- Tap Headset settings, then tap Advanced settings.
- Tap the toggle next to Public Test Channel to try to join Quest PTC.
- If the toggle doesn’t work, Quest PTC is currently full and not available.
From there, as Luna mentions, simply head to Settings > Experimental Features > New Window Layout, and toggle the feature to activate.
If you’re on PTC and don’t have those features yet, make sure to check back regularly, as Meta tends to do soft rollouts of both its early access and stable OS updates.